In the spirit of the Kainerakowa, the Great Peace, we, the youth movement of the Six Nations Youth Reclamation would like to share with you, our community, the spirit of our movement. It has been nearly 2 months since we began the site, and since then there has been a lot of confusion and questions Through this statement we hope to acknowledge and address these concerns.

We believe that by rediscovering and using existing traditional Haudenosaunee structures and processes of conflict resolution, intervention, community accountability, building/maintaining community, mentorship (aunties/ uncles/ brothers/ sisters), healthy relationships, etc. we can rebuild our nations. THIS needs to be the foundation of the youth center. This is about much more than building a youth recreation centre, this is about creating a safe space to heal and rebuild our nations through the youth. All the while making it a fun and exciting experience.

We also believe that we have to respect that every youth that comes to this space is at a different place in their life and have their own story, wants and needs. Because of this, we are not forcing other youth to conform to fixed standards. Instead, we are supporting each other exactly where we’re at. Read the rest of this entry →

By Jen Meunier. Reposted with her permission. She is an Algonquin Anishinaabe woman, Bazwenazhi clan through her community, Kichesipirini

Boozhoo,

This is about the youth occupation of the old police station on Six Nations, specifically, the role of allies in supporting it. I want to speak some of my thoughts from what I’ve experienced and share the decisions I’ve made. I’m only speaking for myself, although I’ve talked to the people I have close relationships with who live on Six Nations about saying this. I’m asking Creator lets these words be heard with open ears, minds and hearts so that we can see each other as we really are and in peace, friendship and mutual respect.

I was one of the organizers of this police station occupation and was there when the idea was first raised at my house in Brantford. I planned and executed the banner drop, packed the truck with the supplies needed for occupying and put in ashes from the second “people’s” fire at Site 41.

It was originally planned to break into the police station at the end of the “march for a youth centre”. Right before the march, serious concerns were raised by some of the Six Nations people who had been part of the original planning of the march/occupation. I took these concerns seriously because as an Anishinaabe ally, my place is on the Younger Brothers bench and my voice comes second to those whose territory I live on and whom I trust to make decisions about their community and what should and shouldn’t happen. Also, I agreed in my own mind about the concerns that were raised and they reflected what was in my heart. Read the rest of this entry →